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Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. Colossians 3:10 NLT
“Change the world!” people shout. Yet, if we’re honest, most of us struggle to change our own thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Is positive change really possible?
In a book themed on Jesus’ encouragement to “take heart,” it’s no surprise to see an answer of yes. The bigger issue is how.
In Colossians, the apostle Paul shows the way. It’s not terribly complicated, but it does require effort.
Notice the commands, either stated or implied, leading up to today’s scripture. Colossians 3:1 tells us to set our sights on heaven. Verse 2 reiterates the idea: think about heavenly things. Consider yourself dead to sin, anticipating the day you’re made like Jesus (vv. 3-4).
“Put to death” and “get rid of” the sins that drag you down (vv. 5-9). If that sounds impossible, note that it helps if you’ve followed the previous commands.
Having done all that, you can obey verse 10: “Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.”
The key to everything is God’s Word, described elsewhere as “alive and powerful” (Hebrews 4:12). You’ve made a good start with this devotional…now dig deeper, on your own, and commit to living out what you learn.
Prayer: Lord, I’m glad that change is possible. Help me to learn and apply Your Word.
“Change the world!” people shout. Yet, if we’re honest, most of us struggle to change our own thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Is positive change really possible?
In a book themed on Jesus’ encouragement to “take heart,” it’s no surprise to see an answer of yes. The bigger issue is how.
In Colossians, the apostle Paul shows the way. It’s not terribly complicated, but it does require effort.
Notice the commands, either stated or implied, leading up to today’s scripture. Colossians 3:1 tells us to set our sights on heaven. Verse 2 reiterates the idea: think about heavenly things. Consider yourself dead to sin, anticipating the day you’re made like Jesus (vv. 3-4).
“Put to death” and “get rid of” the sins that drag you down (vv. 5-9). If that sounds impossible, note that it helps if you’ve followed the previous commands.
Having done all that, you can obey verse 10: “Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.”
The key to everything is God’s Word, described elsewhere as “alive and powerful” (Hebrews 4:12). You’ve made a good start with this devotional…now dig deeper, on your own, and commit to living out what you learn.
Prayer: Lord, I’m glad that change is possible. Help me to learn and apply Your Word.
